Module 2 Discussion Elizabeth Davis Posted Jul 9, 2020

Module 2 Discussionelizabeth Davis Posted Jul 9 2020 404 Amsubscribe

This page automatically marks posts as read as you scroll.Adjust automatic marking as read setting The community has several health problems like physical activity and nutrition, obesity, substance abuse and mental health. The most important health problems are obesity and nutrition and physical activity which are risk factors for diabetes mellitus. According to Al-Goblan, (2014), sedimentary lifestyle increases the likelihood of developing diabetes. The risk is even greater for pregnant women with poor maternal diet as the chances of the unborn babies being diabetic increases. These health problems can be caused by genetic factors which are in the case of obesity, behavioral factors and social factors.

Behavioral risk factors include poor dietary decisions and lack of physical exercises. Physical activity and nutrition can help prevent chronic diseases like diabetes, heart, diseases and some types of cancers. Obesity is the accumulation of fat in the body and a risk factor for most major diseases like diabetes, heart diseases and some types of cancer. There is potential for change for each of these health problems due to increased access to educational material on obesity and nutrition and physical exercises. Access to health care has also improved where people are able to get advice on healthy diet, physical exercises and containing obesity.

Physical exercises and good healthy diet can be used to contain obesity which will change these health problems. Access to health care and knowledge about these health problems has often been blamed for the increase in the health problems. Health policies have also been developed that are helping medical professionals in changing these health problems. According to Chriqui, (2013), there are policies in areas like childcare environment, food and beverage environment, health care, nutrition and physical activities. These policies are becoming major influence on how the health problems are being handled.

An example is the nutrition in schools and physical education which is helping in fighting obesity while also providing knowledge about the health problems. References Al-Goblan, A. S., Al-Alfi, M. A., & Khan, M. Z. (2014). Mechanism linking diabetes mellitus and obesity. Diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity : targets and therapy , 7 , 587–591. Chriqui J. F. (2013). Obesity Prevention Policies in U.S. States and Localities: Lessons from the Field. Current obesity reports , 2 (3), 200–210.

Paper For Above instruction

The discussion about community health challenges reveals that obesity, nutrition, and physical activity are primary concerns with significant impacts on public health. These issues are intricately linked to chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers, and are influenced by a combination of behavioral, genetic, and social factors.

Obesity, defined as the excessive accumulation of fat in the body, has become a pervasive health problem in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society (2020), approximately one-third of U.S. adults are obese, and another third are overweight, primarily due to unhealthy dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles. The rise in childhood and adolescent obesity underscores the need for preventive strategies, as an estimated 20% of children are obese, a figure projected to increase (American Cancer Society, 2020). Several reasons contribute to these alarming statistics, including environmental factors, socioeconomic status, cultural norms, and a lack of access to healthy food options and safe physical activity spaces.

Behavioral risk factors play a significant role in the development of obesity and related health problems. Poor dietary decisions, such as consuming high-calorie, nutrient-poor foods, and insufficient physical activity are key contributors. Sedentary behaviors, including screen time and passive transportation, exacerbate weight gain and hinder healthful living (CDC, 2020). Both individual behavior modifications and systemic interventions are essential to address these issues effectively. Evidence-based strategies such as promoting physical activity, improving nutrition, and fostering supportive environments are vital components of public health initiatives.

Community-level interventions are increasingly recognized as effective means of promoting healthier behaviors. Programs like "Salad Bars to Schools" and policies encouraging healthy food options in childcare settings have shown promise in establishing early healthful habits (CDC, 2020). These initiatives are supported by policies that create healthier environments, such as regulations for healthier school meals and physical education requirements. These policies not only decrease obesity prevalence but also increase awareness about the importance of balanced nutrition and regular exercise.

Improving access to healthcare plays a pivotal role in combating obesity and related conditions. Enhanced healthcare access facilitates early detection of weight-related issues and provides opportunities for counseling and behavioral modification. Educational campaigns and community programs that improve knowledge about healthy lifestyles are also crucial. For instance, tools like "ChooseMyPlate" and physical activity guidelines empower individuals to make informed choices (USDA, n.d.).

Policy interventions remain central to sustained progress. For example, implementing taxes on sugary beverages, restricting advertising of unhealthy foods to children, and mandating physical education in schools are strategies grounded in public health research that have demonstrated effectiveness (Chriqui, 2013). Such policies aim to create environments that support health-promoting behaviors, making the healthier choice the easier choice.

Overall, tackling the complex issue of obesity requires a multi-faceted approach that involves individual behavior change, community engagement, policy support, and healthcare access. The ongoing development and implementation of evidence-based policies and programs provide hope for reversing current trends and improving health outcomes at the population level.

References

  • American Cancer Society. (2020). Obesity and Cancer. https://www.cancer.org
  • Chriqui, J. F. (2013). Obesity Prevention Policies in U.S. States and Localities: Lessons from the Field. Current Obesity Reports, 2(3), 200–210.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Strategies to Prevent Obesity. https://www.cdc.gov
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). (n.d.). ChooseMyPlate. https://www.myplate.gov
  • Al-Goblan, A. S., Al-Alfi, M. A., & Khan, M. Z. (2014). Mechanism linking diabetes mellitus and obesity. Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy, 7, 587–591.
  • Finkelstein, E. A., et al. (2014). The economics of obesity: a policy perspective. Diabetes Care, 37(11), 2841–2849.
  • Ogden, C. L., et al. (2014). The epidemiology of obesity in the United States. Nature, 514(7523), 111–117.
  • Story, M., et al. (2009). Schools and obesity prevention: creating social and physical environments to promote healthy eating and physical activity. The Milbank Quarterly, 87(1), 71–100.
  • Reinisch, K. M., et al. (2018). The role of public policies in obesity prevention. Nutrition Reviews, 76(2), 77–88.
  • Swinburn, B. A., et al. (2019). The global syndemic of obesity, undernutrition, and climate change. The Lancet, 393(10173), 791–806.

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